There will not be any problems for Milton Scott in balancing his dual role as Bermuda Union of Teachers general secretary and a Government minister.

The new Government Leader in the Senate and Minister without Portfolio says the Westminster parliamentary system accounts for conflicts of interest for ministers and legislation they may have to deal with.

"We intend to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest or the perception of conflict of interest,'' Mr. Scott said.

He added: "It is highly unlikely that I will have the position of education minister. There is a Deputy Premier and other Cabinet ministers that will fill in from time to time.'' Mr. Scott explained the civil service's hierarchy handles disciplinary and other day-to-day matters while the Cabinet "sets out policy''.

He added: "I accept that during times of negotiations, sometimes the Cabinet may have to set out policy. But there is a procedure for any Minister with a conflict to separate himself from policy discussions,'' Mr. Scott said.

And he said that as general secretary of the BUT he will not be involved in negotiations for the union.

"There are more things to a union than negotiations anyway'' he said.

"There is the running of the office and giving advice to members, for instance,'' Mr. Scott added. "That is the sort of thing I am responsible for.'' Mr. Scott said wage and other negotiations are the purview of the President of the union, currently Michael Charles.

Mr. Scott, a former teacher, has been the union's general secretary for ten years and will lead the PLP's five person contingent in the Senate.

"The leader for the Government in the Senate has to be a Minister,'' he said.

"Someone has to lead legislation through the (upper) chamber.'' And as Minister without Portfolio, he will fill in as minister for any colleagues who may be on leave.

He added: "Just since Friday I have been acting Transport Minister. From time to time I will be stepping in like that.'' As for Premier Jennifer Smith's plans for special projects that he may have to handle, Mr. Scott said there are none "at this time''.

And explaining the role of the Senate in "taking a second look at legislation'', Mr. Scott said the upper chamber is very important in the running of the legislature.

He said his party will be more "consultative'' in getting input from independents and others when looking at legislation.

Of his unsuccessful campaign in Paget East, Mr. Scott said although he did not get in much canvassing, he wanted to thank the people that voted for him.

He added: "But there was broad support for me. People from all walks of life came to me and wished me well.'' "I want everyone to know that although they have representatives in the House, I am available to hear their concerns and point them in the right direction.'' Sen. Milton Scott